Providing Essential Packages of Health Services in Six Sub-Saharan Countries

A new Sida-commissioned report, developed with technical assistance from the Clinton Health Access Initiative and in collaboration with six countries examines and highlights the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in country health benefits packages for universal health coverage (UHC). The report helps to unpack complex issues and illustrates the process of SRHR prioritization in health benefits packages.

The case studies on Eswatini, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa illustrate the challenges and successes experienced in the process, including reforms, revisions and plans. The case studies also reveal the importance of processes for achieving positive outcomes, and the value of multi-stakeholder dialogues in bringing multiple voices and perspectives to the table.

The report is intended to encourage countries, technical experts and civil society to hold frank discussions on how to ensure that essential SRHR services are included in health benefits packages.